These old-school socks are worked top down in easy garter rib, with a touch of cabling to slightly taper the leg. Sport weight yarn makes them cozy and quick to knit.

The forethought heels have simple increase shaping at the ankle to keep them from sliding into your shoes. I think you’ll like this fit better than a standard forethought or afterthought heel.

A full schematic, detailed illustrated instructions for how to construct the heel, and both written and charted instructions for cables are included.

Tech edited by Trillium.

SIZES
US shoe size 0-14
EU shoe size 32 to 47
UK shoe size 12 children’s to 12.5 adult

See chart in pattern photos for size details.

MATERIALS
Yarn:
Sport, light DK, or heavy fingering yarn

Estimated yardage / meterage by size:

XXS: 215 yds / 200 m
XS: 235 yds / 210 ms
S: 285 yds / 260 ms
M: 310 yds / 280 ms
L: 370 yds / 340 ms
XL: 400 yds / 370 ms

Tools:
2 to 3 mm / US size 0 to 2.5 circular or double-pointed needles, or size to fit gauge

Smaller needles for picking up heel stitches

Cable needle or extra needle of same or smaller size for cabling

3 yds / 3 m of contrasting yarn for heel placeholder stitches

Blunt tapestry needle for weaving in ends

If you’re using short circulars or the traveling loop method, you’ll also need stitch markers for dividing top from heel.

This pattern is designed to be knit at the dense gauge that works best for socks in garter rib. You may need to use a smaller needle than what’s recommended on the yarn label.

Yarns and needles used in designer photos:
Novita Nalle Kivi (grey) and Bluenata (pale green) on 2.75 mm / US size 2 needles
Yarn Dragon Happy Sport Lelaine (blue) on 2 mm / US size 0 needles.

See project pages for more yarn possibilities.